Four highly anticipated Indonesia-Malaysia horror films have been officially launched at Jaff Market 2026, during the event’s “Nusantara Wave” session. The announcement signals the growing trend of regional collaboration in Southeast Asian horror cinema and demonstrates the increasing international attention on films produced jointly by Indonesia and Malaysia.
The four titles unveiled at the session are “Munafik,” “Khurafat,” “Khadam,” and “Badut Gendong.” Each project represents a unique take on the horror genre, blending local cultural elements with contemporary cinematic techniques, while also showcasing the potential of cross-border collaboration to strengthen Southeast Asia’s film industry.
Munafik: Indonesian Horror Adaptation
The Indonesian horror adaptation “Munafik” was a highlight of the launch, with a teaser screened in post-production. Directed by Guntur Soeharjanto, the film stars popular Indonesian actors Arya Saloka and Acha Septriasa.
Produced collaboratively by Unlimited, Skop, Komet, A&Z Films, and Legacy Pictures, Munafik exemplifies Indonesia’s innovative approach to the horror genre, combining suspense, cultural storytelling, and high production values. The post-production teaser generated excitement among industry attendees, indicating strong anticipation for the film’s release both regionally and internationally.
Khurafat: Malaysian Remake with Regional Appeal
The Malaysian remake “Khurafat”, directed by Zahir Omar and co-produced with Skop, was also officially announced at Jaff Market. The project reinterprets the original story to cater to regional audiences, integrating culturally relevant elements that resonate with Malaysian viewers while appealing to horror enthusiasts across Southeast Asia.
Producers emphasized that such co-productions not only broaden market reach but also foster cross-border talent collaboration, a key factor in strengthening the Southeast Asian film ecosystem.
Khadam: Mystery Horror With Regional Talent
Adding a mystery horror dimension to the lineup, “Khadam” features actors Aghniny Haque and Jeremy Ishmael, directed by Shamyl Othman. The film is co-produced by Komet, Redcomm, Siletrop, and Applause, showcasing a collaborative effort among multiple regional studios.
Khadam is expected to blend suspenseful storytelling with supernatural elements that appeal to both Indonesian and Malaysian audiences. The project highlights the increasing sophistication of Indonesia-Malaysia horror films and their ability to compete on a global scale.
Badut Gendong: Multi-Studio Horror Collaboration
The fourth project, “Badut Gendong”, directed by Gozali, involves a large-scale collaboration between studios including Magma, Legacy, Virtuel, VMS, Caravan, Komet, Skop, Astro Shaw, and Applause. This co-production underscores the potential for resource-sharing, talent pooling, and regional marketing strategies in Southeast Asian cinema.
Producers stressed that such partnerships enhance production quality and increase the films’ potential reach, while promoting Southeast Asian storytelling and cultural themes to wider audiences.
Regional Synergy and Southeast Asian Horror Cinema
The unveiling of these four titles at the Nusantara Wave session reflects a broader trend of Indonesia-Malaysia collaboration in the horror genre. Industry experts see these co-productions as a way to strengthen regional film markets, create shared intellectual property, and elevate the profile of Southeast Asian cinema internationally.
Horror films, in particular, enjoy cross-border appeal because of universal themes such as suspense, fear, and the supernatural. By combining local folklore, talented actors, and professional production studios from both countries, these Indonesia-Malaysia horror films are well-positioned to attract audiences across Asia and beyond.
Growing Global Appeal of Indonesia-Malaysia Horror Films
The surge of Indonesia-Malaysia horror films reflects not only regional collaboration but also their growing recognition on the international stage. By blending culturally rich narratives with high production standards, these films are capturing the attention of global audiences, film festivals, and streaming platforms. The integration of folklore, suspense, and supernatural elements makes these co-productions unique offerings in the crowded horror genre, distinguishing Southeast Asian cinema from Western and East Asian counterparts.
Conclusion
The launch of “Munafik,” “Khurafat,” “Khadam,” and “Badut Gendong” at Jaff Market 2026 marks an important milestone for Southeast Asian horror cinema. These projects showcase the potential of Indonesia-Malaysia co-productions to innovate storytelling, leverage regional talent, and expand global reach. With strategic collaborations and high-quality production, these films are set to establish new benchmarks for horror filmmaking in Southeast Asia.
For more details & sources visit: Variety
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